In fiction, while I feel these needn’t be mutually exclusive, I believe immersion is more important than realism. The audience must first and foremost feel immersed in the story. If it’s a story that depends on a realistic tone or basis, then yes–research, corroboration, and detail should be included to make sure it is sufficiently realistic, because that adds to the immersion.
However, if the story doesn’t require that realistic tone or basis, then too much realism detracts from immersion. I don’t want to read a technical briefing with painstaking detail on every event, with no change in rhythm or inspirational language. I want to be sent to another world, where the words are so well connected that I’m barely reading, where I’m imagining a fully immersive scene that beats any VR headset or IMAX production.
That, in my opinion, is the justification for artistic liberties that are taken with fiction.
Explore the Worlds Behind the Stories
Kent Wayne’s ideas about storytelling, power, and human nature appear throughout his fiction.
If you’re curious how those ideas appear inside the stories, start with the Unbound Realm.
If you’re still exploring, follow the ideas:
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